Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer
Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer
$4125
Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer
11 Days Starting and ending in Casablanca, Morocco
Visiting: Casablanca, Fes, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Essaouira
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Morocco with the "Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the bustling streets of Casablanca to the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert. Explore the architectural wonders of Rabat, the vibrant medinas of Fes, and the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou and enjoy the bohemian charm of Essaouira. Experience authentic Moroccan dining, including a feast at Rick's Café in Casablanca and a traditional Berber pizza in Rissani. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned coach and stay in exquisite accommodations throughout your journey. With expert local guides and a focus on sustainable travel, this tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the bustling souks to the tranquil oases, ensuring a truly immersive Moroccan adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Accommodation: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Accommodation Name: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for dinner, enjoying an evening of good food and great company.
Day 2: Rabat, Imperial Meknes And Fes Relaxed Start
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals Included: Breakfast
During an exploration of the sights of Casablanca, view the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the third largest in the world. Venture to the très chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom's great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes. You'll be delighted with a superb Moroccan Highlight Dinner in an ancient palace at the entrance to the Medina. A colorful array of meze plates, aromatic tagines, exotic fruits and wine will be laid before you while you are entertained with a traditional folklore show. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere of belly dancers, drums and authentic music.
Day 3: Fes Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Led by your Local Expert, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals. Wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina's in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world's oldest universities and visit Medersa El Attarine, founded in 1325 located at the heart of the medina. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
Day 4: The Ziz Gorges To Erfoud
Location: Erfoud
Accommodation: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Accommodation Name: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Errachidia, built by the French at an important crossroads. Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert.
Day 5: Desert Town Of Rissani Relaxed Start
Location: Rissani
Accommodation: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Accommodation Name: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, discover the authentic desert town of Rissani. See the Tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif, one of the founders of the Alaouite family who reigned during the second half of the 17th century. Next, a visit to the quarries of marine fossils with an antiquity of 360 million years. Stop at the famous Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. This afternoon experience a traditional lunch of Madfouna, also known as ‘Berber Pizza’, this dish is a delight for the senses with seasonal fillings and spices. The rest of the afternoon will be free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 6: Spectacular Ouarzazate
Location: Ouarzazate
Accommodation: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate
Accommodation Name: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne du Dadès you will encounter the dry and rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms and castellated mud houses—hugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
Day 7: To Marrakesh
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-colored city of Marrakesh. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?
Day 8: Marrakesh, Pearl Of The South Relaxed Start
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit Dar El Bacha - an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakech. Meet your Local Expert and wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. Next, to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: enjoy the sensorial experience of strolling through the souks or maybe visit a museum. In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here, you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.
Day 9: Elegant Essaouira Relaxed Start
Location: Essaouira
Accommodation: Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, El Jadida
Accommodation Name: Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, El Jadida
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director, explore the busy fishing port where you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant. Continue to the port city of El Jadida with its unique architectural mixture of Moorish-Portuguese-French influence.
Day 10: Return To Casablanca Relaxed Start
Location: Casablanca
Accommodation: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Accommodation Name: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Once you’ve experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco. Perhaps visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque famous for its intricate Islamic architecture and one of the largest in the world. In the evening 'of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world' there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!
Day 11: Au Revoir Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey through Morocco as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners with wine, 3 lunches, and 2 additional dinners.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Luggage Handling
Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the four-wheel drive vehicle tour to marvel at the Sahara sunset are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are not included if your flights are outside the scheduled times or if you have not booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are available, and physical distancing measures are implemented.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including Gray Suites in Casablanca, Marriott Jnan Palace in Fes, Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud in Erfoud, Le Berbère Palace in Ouarzazate, Movenpick Mansour Eddahbi in Marrakesh, and Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa in El Jadida.
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Dades Valley: Stop at a traditional Nomad house and meet the locals as you sip Berber tea.
- Marrakesh: Visit Dar El Bacha, a beautiful palace that has been standing since the 18th century and is a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the non-profit American Fondouk in Fes, where you can speak with volunteer veterinarians. You will also have the opportunity to stop at a traditional Nomad house in the Dades Valley to meet locals and try authentic Berber tea.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect a variety of authentic dining experiences, including a Moroccan feast in Fes with music and belly dancers, a four-course dinner at Rick's Café in Casablanca, and a traditional lunch of Madfouna, known as 'Berber Pizza', in Rissani.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Marrakesh?
In Marrakesh, you will visit Dar El Bacha, explore the Medina with a Local Expert, see the Koutoubia Mosque, and experience the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its dancers, snake charmers, and storytellers.
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What is the transportation like during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in hotels, and physical distancing measures are implemented.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional experience to marvel at the Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle tour.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions